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Mojtaba Khamenei’s Rise Sparks Market Turmoil as Hardliners Mobilize

People attend a gathering to support Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026.  Iran’s hardline factions mounted a powerful show of support for newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei , rallying across Tehran in a display that signaled a tightening of conservative control and diminished hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East.  The demonstrations, marked by mass gatherings and imagery linking Mojtaba to his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscored the regime’s consolidation at a moment of heightened regional conflict.  Analysts warn that the hardliners’ unified backing suggests Iran is unlikely to soften its stance amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Global markets reacted sharply. Fears that prolonged instability could further disrupt energy supplies sent oil prices soaring and triggered steep declines in major stock indices. With one of the most significan...

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U.S. Refrains from Participating in Israeli Counter-Offensive Against Iran

 


In a recent development, President Joe Biden has unequivocally conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not partake in any counter-offensive against Iran. This decision comes in the aftermath of a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, which has escalated tensions in the region.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, informed the White House that their operations would be “limited and minimal,” aimed at legitimate defense and punishment of the Israeli regime. Despite this, Netanyahu’s war cabinet favors a retaliatory response against Iran. The threat of open warfare between these arch Middle East foes, potentially involving the United States, has put the entire region on edge.

While the U.S. remains committed to assisting Israel in its self-defense efforts, it categorically rejects the path of war. John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, emphasized this stance during ABC’s “This Week” program. The delicate balance of maintaining stability while preventing further escalation is at the forefront of global powers’ concerns.

Jordan’s King Abdullah also weighed in, cautioning against any further escalation by Israel. The situation remains precarious, with Netanyahu’s war cabinet divided over the timing and scale of a potential response. Iran’s initial attack, launched in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria, resulted in modest damage within Israel. The majority of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, with assistance from the U.S., Britain, France, and Jordan.

Israel’s ministers have signaled that retaliation is not imminent, emphasizing the need for a strategic alliance against Iran’s grave threat. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the risk posed by Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities mounted on these missiles. Israel aims to build a regional coalition to address this challenge effectively.

As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for restraint and a de-escalation of tensions in this volatile region.


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